Short Answer Questions

2. Who makes up Roger's team (the chorus) in the song in act 1, scene 7?

3. What theater is the backdrop of the end of act 1, scene 9?

4. What is the backdrop of act 1, Scene 9?

5. How does Leo feel about Ulla after meeting her in act 1, scene 8?

Short Essay Questions

1. For what event is Roger dressed up, and who is he going as?

2. Why are Max and Leo in shock in act 2, scene 5?

3. What are some of the things Max does to procure the funds for Springtime for Hitler?

4. What must Leo and Max do in order to secure the rights for Springtime for Hitler?

5. How do Max and Leo convince Roger to direct Springtime for Hitler?

6. What is significant about Leo dropping his blue blanket in act 2, scene 1?

7. What is offered to Ulla by the end of act 1, scene 8?

8. How does Leo end up coming to Max's defense in the courtroom?

9. What does it mean that Franz's only preparation for the show is to put on a Hitler mustache?

10. How does Act 1 end?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is The Producers set in 1959? How is it significant to the story? To the characters? How would an audience in 1959 react to a sympathetic musical about Hitler? Could this musical be set in any other period of time? Why or why not? Cite specific examples from the text to support your statements.

Essay Topic 2

Mel Brooks introduces a few female characters who are mostly played for laughs: Ulla and Hold Me-Touch Me (as well as the other little old ladies). Is his treatment of these characters sexist? Why or why not? Points to consider:

1) How the male characters treat the female characters.

2) How the female characters view themselves.

3) The use of sex with these characters.

Create a strong thesis and cite specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the use of homosexuality in The Producers. Points to be considered include:

1) The characters of Roger DeBris and his production team.

2) Franz's objections to the gay men auditioning for the role of Hitler.

3) Roger's portrayal of Hitler.

4) The irony of several homosexuals working on a musical about Hitler.

Create a strong thesis and cite specific examples from the script to support your argument.